Janet Manyowa Faces Venue Challenge as ANOT 2026 Draws Record Crowds

Janet Manyowa’s management is now confronting a critical decision regarding the future of her annual year-opener concert, ANOT (A Night of Thanksgiving), after the overwhelming turnout at ANOT 2026 exposed the limitations of the Harare International Conference Centre (HICC).

The 2026 edition attracted one of the largest audiences ever recorded for a local gospel event. Both the upper and lower decks were filled to capacity, with some fans lingering in the hotel lobby seeking fresh air. Long queues for food and beverages became a feature of the evening as fans waited while performances continued.

The remarkable turnout underscores ANOT’s growing popularity over the years. This year’s edition exceeded expectations, boosted by a star-studded lineup that included Nigeria’s Ada Ehi, South Africa’s Xolly Mncwango, Pastor Charles Charamba and his wife Olivia, Takesure Zamar Ncube, The Unveiled, Ellard Cherayi and his wife Olivia, the Joyfull Praise Choir, and Everton Mlalazi.

Fans began arriving as early as 2pm, with a steady stream continuing until 9pm, creating significant logistical challenges for organisers. Discussions among insiders suggest that if demand continues to grow, management may need to either change the venue for ANOT 2027 or expand the event to a two-day format.

“We are humbled by the support we have received from fans, and we recognise that the current venue is becoming too small,” said Munyaradzi Manyowa, Janet’s husband and manager. “We will need to make decisions in the future to manage the crowd and provide our fans with value for their money. We cannot abandon this venue now − it is where it all began. After all, there aren’t many other large venues capable of accommodating our crowd.”

Manyowa expressed gratitude to the event planners and stakeholders who contributed to ANOT 2026’s success. He acknowledged that the support of a dedicated team was central to delivering a seamless experience for attendees.

Janet Manyowa herself continues to redefine local gospel music. Her performances are marked by strong stage presence, meticulous choreography, coordinated wardrobe, and polished vocal delivery. At ANOT 2026, her set mirrored an orchestral production, demonstrating the level of planning and investment behind each outing.

The inclusion of gospel veterans Pastor Charles Charamba and his wife Olivia added depth and variety to the event, reinforcing themes of love, unity, and consistency. Janet’s collaboration with both local and regional gospel stars reflects her humility and commitment to elevating the gospel music scene.

In the lead-up to the event, Janet preached messages of gratitude, peace, and hope. “Let’s celebrate life, cherish our families, and extend kindness to one another,” she emphasised. Her message resonated during ANOT 2026, which became more than a concert—it was a worship experience, uniting fans in song, faith, and celebration.

ANOT 2026’s unprecedented success has positioned Janet Manyowa as one of Zimbabwe’s most influential gospel artists, but it also presents a logistical challenge. Her team now faces the task of balancing fan demand with venue capacity while maintaining the high standards her concerts are known for.